AFL 2018: Angus Brayshaw signs new contract to stay at Melbourne

Angus Brayshaw signs a new contract with Melbourne.Source:Getty Images

MELBOURNE midfielder Angus Brayshaw has signed a new four-year deal keeping him in the red and blue until the end of 2022.

The 22-year-old has had a career best season, having played 50 games for Melbourne since he was drafted with Pick No. 3 in the 2014 draft.

With the midfielder out of contract at season’s end, North Melbourne and West Coast were reportedly circling to gain the services of the classy on-baller.

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But Brayshaw has pledged his allegiance, having turned around his career in 2018 - playing 14 games for the seventh placed Demons.

Melbourne general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney says the club was excited to lock away Brayshaw for another four years.

“We’re very pleased that Angus has signed on for another four years. He’s worked extremely hard, particularly the past 18 months,” Mahoney told the club’s website.

Angus Brayshaw has signed a new four-year deal with the Demons.Source:Getty Images

“He’s been through a lot as a player, with his concerns around concussion and his form this year has been off the back of a lot of hard work by, not only himself, but our coaching staff. They’ve helped get him back to playing at a high level.

“When he was selected with pick three in the National Draft, we always knew Angus’ ability was to play through the midfield, and to kick goals was a strength of his. We’re starting to see that consistently. He’s an important part of our young midfield.”

Brayshaw is averaging 26.9 disposals, 4.0 clearances and 3.6 tackles in his career best season. His 2016 and 2017 seasons were cruelled with multiple concussions - playing just 15 of a possible 44 games.

But after donning a helmet, Brayshaw has put a stamp on being one of the best players from the 2014 draft pool.

“With this signing, we now have all of our young midfielders signed for an extended period of time, which provides great stability for our group, and we can look forward to watching their development over the coming years,” Mahoney said.